by Thomas Hedlund

Vincennes’ winter meeting continues with the $420,000 Prix de France over 2,100 meters on Sunday (Feb. 11) and the best of the best among top trotters in Europe will battle on the black track in Paris.

Prix d’Amérique winner Idao de Tillard will try to defend his position as grand prix winner and last year’s dominant horse in the Prix de France and Prix de Paris. Ampia Mede Sm is just one out of many strong contenders in Sunday’s event at Vincennes.

The shorter distance, compared to the Prix d’Amérique (2,700 meters), makes the Prix de France more like a mile race. The car will leave the field shortly before the downhill part of the track, so when the horses seek their respective positions, the speed normally reaches high levels.

Hokkaido Jiel and Joviality, runner up and third behind Idao de Tillard in the Prix d’Amerique two weeks ago, both entered the Prix de France, but unfortunately for Joviality, she will start far outside behind the gate, from post 9, while Hokkaido Jiel will begin in second line as number 17.

During the same day, Jean-Michel Bazire has engaged his new star Jushua Tree in the $125,000 Prix Ovide Moulinet, where he’ll be the big favorite to win.

PRIX DE FRANCE 2024

Horse — Driver

1. Hooker Berry — Nicolas Bazire

2. Hail Mary — Eric Raffin

3. Aetos Kronos — Örjan Kihlström

4. Vivid Wise As — Matthieu Abrivard

5. Delia du Pommereux — Pierre-Yves Verva

6. Ampia Mede Sm — Franck Nivard

7. Idao de Tillard — Clément Duvaldestin

8. Power — Robert Bergh

9. Joviality — Benjamin Rochard

10. Inmarosa — Leo Abrivard

11. Horsy Dream — Paul-Philippe Ploquin

12. Moni Viking — Björn Goop

13. Italiano Vero — Mathieu Mottier

14. Dear Friend — Daniel Wäjersten

15. Emeraude de Bais — Robin Bouvier

16. Missle Hill — Yoan Lebourgeois

17. Hokkaido Jiel — David Thomain

18. Go On Boy — Romain Derieux